I've been thinking.. Reflections, prayers, and meditations for a meaningful life

Journalist Shriver writes about her quest for a meaningful life, borrowing from her digital newsletter, the Sunday Paper, along with "personal reflections, memorable quotations and prayers." She fully embraces the power of positive thinking, which sometimes makes for some rather lightweight affirmations. These include pithy recommendations such as, "Nothing like laughter to turn your day around" and "To keep going you must have hope." She does, however, encourage deeper contemplation on issues that stem from a mature life, such as the loss of parents, empty nesting, and social justice. Shriver shares nothing of her own brush with public humiliation; she considers herself a storyteller who opts not to share the intimacies of her public life and winsomely concludes that this book's singular purpose is encouragement—to compel others to think about what makes for their own meaningful life. VERDICT An optimistic reminder to be gentle with oneself.—Sandra Collins, Byzantine Catholic Seminary Lib., Pittsburgh Copyright 2018 Library Journal.

In a collection of reflections that are more sincere than eloquent, Shriver (Ten Things I Wish I'd Known—Before I Went Out into the Real World) meditates on finding a meaningful life. The award-winning journalist, former First Lady of California, and niece of President John F. Kennedy writes informally about her four children, four brothers, and 60 years of learning and praying. She pays homage to her mother, Eunice, and her father, Sargent. When the latter developed Alzheimer's, Shriver became adamant about working toward a cure for the disease, and her work raising money and awareness is mentioned frequently. Each short chapter (of which there are over 50) begins with a quote from a speaker, activist, writer, or spiritual leader such as Maya Angelou, Louisa May Alcott, St. Ambrose, and even Shriver herself. Each chapter ends with a prayer that flows from her heart, if not so smoothly from her pen: "Dear God, don't let me be caught in resentment or any other form of fear and hate. If they appear, please turn my thoughts into prayer for my enemy or someone in need." Among the topics she covers are kindness, mental health, peace, time to reflect, grief, and power—of the mind, of women, of the pause, of empathy. The honesty of this uplifting book will please Shriver's established readership as well as new readers looking for inspiration. Agent: Jan Miller, Dupree Miller. (Feb.) Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly.

Presents a book of reflections for those seeking wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration on the road to a meaningful life.

The Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist and best-selling author of Just Who Will You Be? shares a gift-appropriate collection of inspiring quotes, prayers and reflections for navigating the unpredictable stressors of everyday life.

INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER“[I've Been Thinking…] is beautiful...I felt your soul on these pages.” –Oprah Winfrey“If you are feeling stuck, lost, or you just need a pick-me-up, this is the book for you. Shriver’s wisdom will fill you up.” —Hoda Kotb, coanchor, The Today ShowThe ideal book for those seeking wisdom, guidance, encouragement, and inspiration on the road to a meaningful life.As a prominent woman juggling many roles, Maria Shriver knows just how surprising, unpredictable, and stressful everyday life can be. In this moving and powerful book, she shares inspiring quotes, prayers, and reflections designed to get readers thinking, get them feeling, get them laughing, and help them in their journey to what she calls The Open Field--a place of acceptance, purpose, and passion--a place of joy.I've Been Thinking . . . is ideal for anyone at any point in her life. Whether you feel like you've got it all together or like it's all falling apart--whether you're taking stock of your life or simply looking to recharge, this is the book you will turn to again and again. Spend the weekend reading it cover to cover, or keep it on your nightstand to flip to the chapter you need most. Like talking with a close friend, it's the perfect daily companion—an exceptional gift for someone looking to move forward in life with hope and grace.